Objective:
The objective of the project is to improve water use efficiency in field crop production in the Salinas Valley utilizing remote sensing technology. Data on crop yield and efficacy of control of soilborne diseases will be evaluated as well.

Approach:
Accurate estimation of crop water demand supports efficient irrigation scheduling, which in turn provides a number of benefits including surface water conservation, mitigation of groundwater depletion/degradation, and energy savings. Recent research in California using highly precise weighing lysimeters reveals strong relationships between canopy development and productive water use (transpiration) in specialty crops. This study will establish several trials to compare irrigation scheduling based on these research findings with current industry standard-practice, which tends to rely on more subjective criteria and often involves over-irrigation. Evaluation will occur with respect to water use and crop value (yield, quality). Remote imaging will be explored as a convenient tool for monitoring/mapping canopy cover and crop water demand at field level. The project will enable to growers to better utilize the state’s existing California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS) data network for improved water use efficiency.